Local Nonprofit Saves Horses and Pairs Them Up With Kids

SELAH, Wash.--They came from a past of abuse, neglect and some even stood in line for the slaughter house. But thanks to the big hearts of two local women, they now live here, at a barn in Selah.

"We're expecting a horse today that's very thin, but I think I've already got a home for her which is wonderful," said Kerrie Regimball. "But she's going to be really thin. We're going to need to feed her and get her into shape."

The barn currently holds around 30 horses and that's the highest it's ever been. Kerrie said with the poor economy, people just can't afford to keep their animals.

"Prices of hay, I mean it's really gone up," said Regimball. "It's $10-$11 a bail. We go through 6 bails a day, and unless we get any donations it's out of pocket and it's very expensive."

On top of saving and rehabilitating lives, the two women have also started an outreach program called "Kidznhorses." They invite socially disadvantaged kids to brush, ride and help take care of the ponies.

"Pretty soon that horse is following that child around and even a child that thinks nobody loves them, here's this horse that wants to be with him," said Regimball. "It's really neat."

Kidznhorses will start back up again next month.

The organization is also hosting an open barn next Saturday. People are invited to check out the horses up for adoption and learn about volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please call Kim at 303-881-7209.